Jhumka, chandbali, bali, hoops or tops: a guide to earring styles

Everyone uses these names a little differently. One person's "small jhumka" is another person's "fancy bali", so it helps to pin down what each one usually means.

Jhumka

The bell-shaped drop earring. A jhumka hangs from a decorated top, and the bell part moves and catches the light every time you turn your head. It's the earring most people picture for a wedding or Eid, and it's at its best with hair tied up so it can be seen.

Our Mughal Jhumkas are the full bridal kind. The Sitara Jhumkas are a bit easier to wear at a dinner or dholki.

Chandbali

The name says it: chand is the moon and bali is an earring, so a chandbali is shaped like a crescent moon, often with stones or beads along the curve. It feels festive like a jhumka but sits lighter on the face, which is why so many people pick it for the mehndi. Have a look at the Malaika Chandbali.

Bali

For most people a bali is a hoop that goes through the ear, sometimes with a small drop or detail hanging from it. Balis sit nicely between traditional and modern, so they go with a kurta as easily as with a dress. The Turkish Bali is a good example.

Hoops

Plain circles or half circles, small or big. Hoops are the earrings you can put on in the morning and forget about. For something simple there are the Classic Hoops, and the Emerald Half Hoops add a bit of colour.

Tops

In Pakistan we call studs "tops": earrings that sit on the lobe and don't hang. They're the comfortable choice for a long day, for work, or when you're carrying a baby who loves to pull at jhumkas. Polki or coloured-stone tops still look dressed up, like the Polki Studs or Meena Polki Tops.

Choosing between them

Think about the event first. The bigger the occasion, the bigger the earring can be.

Then look at the necklace. With a heavy set, tops or a small bali are enough. With no necklace at all, jhumkas or chandbalis can carry the whole look.

And think about how long you'll wear them. Try heavier earrings on for an hour at home before a long function.

For wedding looks, see our bridal jewelry guide.